North Australian FISH FINDER TM forums

Gday Folks

Just thought I would throw this up for information, and to see what people think.........

cheers

Kadango

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Ken Vowles
Minister for Primary Industry and Resources


Media Release


Better Fishing – Tender open to design artificial reefs
16 July 2017
Minister for Primary Industry and Resources, Ken Vowles, today announced a tender for a scoping study to design artificial reefs and fish attraction devices (FADs) to boost the Territory’s recreational fishing experiences and enhance its reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
Mr Vowles said the Territory Labor Government is delivering on its promise to invest $50 million in recreational fishing infrastructure over the next five years.
“Recreational fishing is a key part of the Territory lifestyle and economy – it creates jobs and is a big part of what keeps so many people living in the NT,” Mr Vowles said.
“Developing the Territory’s recreational fishing opportunities will benefit Territorians and visitors while enhancing our reputation as a world-class fishing destination.
“The tender released today is calling for advice on the design and engineering specifications required to create scientifically developed and managed artificial reef systems and FADs.
“This is a long-term program of building artificial reefs and installing fish attraction devices to help boost recreational fishing opportunities and support the long-term sustainability of key fishery resources.”
The successful consultant will work closely with fisheries scientists and relevant stakeholders to identify appropriate artificial reef designs and engineering specifics to suit coastal reef fish communities of the Northern Territory.
The consultant will also identify and recommend a number of potential deployment sites for artificial reefs and FADs that take into account resource sustainability, public safety, accessibility and environmental suitability.
The tender for the scoping study will close on 25 July 2017.
Media Contact: Lesley Major – 0419 288 284


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This is the expensive option.

Purpose-designed reefs are being used down south and are OK in populous states with big budgets.

The NT's "junk reef" program has been affordable and a proven success.

Reef locations are easily decided in conjunction with the harbourmaster and interested fishing parties. The only issues I recall over many years of being involved is that soft sand can suck down a wreck or concrete blocks etc, so it pays to drop 'em on hard sand.

I suggest installing more cheap "junk reefs" instead of expensive reefs and use the money saved to make decent boat ramps and improved access.

Agreed Matt, better boat ramp and facilities. The artificial (junk) reefs we have here are fine and inexpensive. Money better directed to infrastructure.

Sink the Stena!

What Theo said or 4 or 5 pilons with solar powered floodlights about 5 mile off the coast......hahaha

Matt you cant dump materials like culverts or junk concrete into the water anymore, its illegal under both the Maritime Dumping & EPBC Act, even to scuttle a ship requires it to be completely cleaned and sanitized these days, engine removed, antifouling paint stripped...everything, just a bare hull!

As you can imagine when the cleaning and sanitizing program is taken into account for ships, purpose built concrete artificial reefs actually become the cheaper option and unlike ships and other junk have a lot longer lifespan, 30 years +

Sounds like a severe case of Yes Minister.

Those ERA culverts that went in were a good example of junk concrete making functional reefs. If the government has made it illegal to use such unwanted items to make reefs, then it has taken a huge backward step.

This is Federal government legislation Matt and as such it is Australia wide, its been in place for many years now (1981).

heres the link to legislation http://environment.gov.au/topics/marine ... umping-act

Well, didn't stop them before ... was it a pirate exercise?

The NT doesn't need an expensive mob to come up from Sydney etc to make the next jewie reef, and tell Territorians where to put it ... I hope 100% of the work goes to a Darwin mob.

A few reefs off the dundee ramp would be good - help spread the pressure out a bit.

Depends where they put the reefs Matt, outside of 3 nautical miles from shore its in commonwealth waters, inside of 3 nm its state/territory waters.

Construction of artificial reefs is done using concrete casts and its done on site normally next to a barge so they are easy to load and deploy.

outside of 3 nautical miles from shore its in commonwealth waters, inside of 3nm its state/territory waters.

Then the proven junk reefs inside 3nm, the exxy reefs outside 3nm?

There has been a steady supply of old hulls and mining gear etc over the years, and placement still has to be paid for whether it is junk or jewellery.

It is made to sound like cr.p has just been thrown into the sea over the years. The stuff that has gone down over the years has all been prepared to meet environmental stewardship objectives. It hasn't been the work of cowboys. Keep in mind it was only a few years ago that the latest hulls were scuttled out at Fenton.

Looking at the link above, the Sea Installations act looks more relevant.

"Junk Reef" is just a name for a reef made with otherwise unwanted objects. The term was possibly coined by those who make purpose-built reefs.

As long as installers use steel or concrete structures, suitably cleaned, sunk on firm sand in a manner not to create a nav-hazard, there are no issues I can see.

The proof is off Lee Point

Structures must minimise danger to divers, but there isn't much diving off Darwin, so dive issues are unlikely to be a problem.

There have been junk reef failures, some materials must be avoided, eg tyres. Cars rust away too quickly. Timber hulls rot etc.

Time for some proper blue water FAD's off Dundee and out towards the ends of the gutters, why put in more "reefs"? make them like the ones off Perth, no anchoring nearby etc and see what blue water action we can bring up, drag more bait in, bring more macks, queenies and tuna and even more billfish!